Equipment and Drill
Re-enactment like any other hobby can be expensive. In the 45eme de Ligne, however, we have done everything that we can to help keep the cost under control. We have a ready supply of basic equipment that potential recruits can use until they are in a position to buy their own. The essentials for your first year are marked below with an *
- Greatcoat (Capote)*
- Shirt*
- Breeches*
- Waistcoat*
- Gaitors - optional for campaing dress*
- Shako - including pom-pom, brass plate and chin scales
- Giberne and belt - cartridge box
- water bootle
- Habit - blue jacket
- knapsack - sac a dos
- Charleville musket
- bayonet and scabbard
- Shako cords
- period shoes
- Bonnet de Police - fatigue hat
- musket cleaning kit
- bread bag
- spare flints
We hold patterns for some of these items so you may wish to have a go at making your own. We also maintain a full list of contacts and suppliers and will give you an idea of the likely prices for the various items.
There are some additional charges for non-kit items which you will
need to pay:
Napoleonic Association membership: £ 20 with other rates for juniors
and family membership.
Original 45eme bouton found in Spain
The unit usually takes a mix of full period camping equipment and some modern camping equipment to events, both home and abroad. Modern and period camping sites are obviously kept apart during events. You may eventually want to purchase various pieces of period camping equipment and we will be able to give you details of suppliers and manufacturers. Members of the unit usually bring a selection of food and drink to each event and share the cost. Black powder is usually supplied by the Napoleonic Association or hosting body although occasionally members of the unit may have to contribute to the cost of additional powder supplies.
French
Drill and Ecole Du Soldat
Much of Napoleon’s success was down to his soldiers. Fundamental to
victory was the need for properly trained soldiers who were capable of
manoeuvring quickly and able to handle their muskets effectively. The French
army therefore placed great emphasis on updating and perfecting its drill.
Numerous drills were published from the army with the last Ordonnance du
Roi, prior to the French Revolution, being published in 1779.
Once the Revolution began the need to update and revise the drill manual
quickly became apparent. In August 1791, Règlement Concernant Exercise et les Manouvres De
Infanterie was published. This new drill manual
became the bible of exercises and manoeuvres for the French Army until after the
fall of Napoleon in 1815.
French Revolutionary Infantry
In
1803, John MacDonald published a complete English translation of the 1791 manual
entitled Rules and Regulations for the Field Exercise and Manoeuvres of the
French Infantry. The loading and
firing information reproduced below is taken from that work.
Almost immediately after the 1791 Reglement was
published, the words of command went through a slight evolution.
During the 1790s every effort was made to shorten the process of firing
and to improve its timing. Each
command had two parts. The first
part was the imperative word or words which prepared the soldier to move.
The second part was the executive word of command upon which the soldier
moves. A uniform movement of
the unit was achieved by shortening the words of command and stressing a last
syllable of the command. This
evolution in words of command illustrates the need for the use of one syllable
for the executive part of the command.
This happened as early as 1793. Here
are how the French commands were changed:
Chargez-vos armes
Chargez-armes
Ouvrez-le
bassinet
Ouvrez-net
Prenez-la cartouche
Prenez-touche
Amorcez
(no change)
Fermez-le bassinet
Fermez-net
L'arme a gauche
l'arme-gauche
Cartouche-dans le canon
Cartouche-non
Tirez la baguette
Tirez-guette
Bourrez
(no change)
Remettez-la baguette
Remettez-guette
Portez vos armes
Portez-armes
Appretez-vos armes
Appretez armes
Joue
(no change. Sometimes shown
as En Joue in later manuals)
Feu
(no change)
Morning Preparations
The
following is the 1791 loading and firing drill for the French. In the
manual all the paragraphs are numbered. The
load and firing sequence begins in the manual at paragraph 54.
A
copy of the Ecole
Du Soldat is shown below.
The Platoon Exercise
54. The platoon exercise shall be taught three men in a rank, with their
elbows touching, and to the same afterwards in file.
55. The execution of each command shall be in consequence of one time,
denoting the word of command divided into distinct motions, in order to impress
the component parts more strongly on the minds of the recruits.
56. On hearing the last syllable of the word of command, the recruit
shall execute the intended motion lively and smartly.
On hearing the respective words two, and three, the remaining motions
shall be gone through. When the
recruits shall know thoroughly the position relating to each motion included in
a word of command, they shall be instructed how to execute them, without
dwelling on each separately; but they must observe the mechanism of the motions,
to be confirmed in the use of arms; and to avoid the inconvenience resulting
from what is termed an unseen shifting of
the firelock, as if by slight of hand, from the proper into an inaccurate
position.
57. The platoon exercise shall be taught in the following order of
arrangement. The instructor shall
give the words of command,
LOAD BY TWELVE WORDS OF COMMAND
|
Chargez-vos armes (Load ARMS) |
First motion 58. Half face to the
right, on the left heel, placing at the same time the right foot square
behind the left heel, the buckle resting against that heel: turn the
firelock with the left hand, the lock outwards, at the same time, seizing
the small stock with the right hand, the firelock being detached from the
shoulder, and supported perpendicularly, on the palm of the left hand
remaining under the butt. Second motion 59. Sink the firelock into
a slanting position with the right hand, the left meeting and seizing it
at the swell, near the tail pipe, the thumb of the left hand pointing
upwards along the swell; the butt under the fore part of the right arm;
the breech and small- stock resting against the body, two inches nearly
under the right nipple or breast; the top of the barrel as high as the
eye; the guard turned a little outwards; the left elbow supported on the
side at the haunch; the thumb of the right hand against the top of the
pan-steel [frizzen], above the
level of the flint; and placed there at the moment when the firelock is
thrown into the slanting position; the four fingers of the right hand
shut; and the right arm, from the elbow to the wrist, lying along the
butt. |
|
Ouvrez-le bassinet |
60.
Throw open the pan with the thumb of the right hand, the left hand
resisting and holding the piece firmly; apply the right hand to the
cartridge-box, by retiring the right elbow, and passing the hand between
the butt and the body; and open the cartridge-box. |
|
Prenez-la cartouhe |
61.
Take the cartridge between the two fore-fingers and thumb, and carry it to
the mouth, ready for the teeth to act, the right hand passing between the
body and the butt. |
|
Déchirez-la cartouche (Tear-CARTRIDGE) |
62.
Bite off the top, to the powder, holding the cartridge firm where the
powder has been uncovered, between the thumb and two fore-fingers; sink
down the cartridge, holding it perpendicularly against the pan, the palm
of the right hand turned towards the body, and the right elbow supported
or leaning on, and against the butt. |
|
Amorcez (PRIME) |
63.
Sink forward the head, and look down to the pan in filling it with powder;
press close the top of the cartridge at the opening, between the thumb and
fore-finger; raise the head, placing the right hand behind the pan, and
hold the little finger, and the third finger firm against the back of the
pan. |
|
Fermez-le bassinet |
64.
Hold the firelock firm with the left hand; shut the pan close and firmly
with the two last fingers, holding always the cartridge between the thumb
and two fore fingers; seize immediately the small stock with the two first
fingers and palm of the right hand; keep the right wrist close to the
body, and the elbow pointing to the rear, and a little detached from the
body. |
|
L'arme-a
Gauche (LOAD) |
First
motion 65.
With the right arm smartly stretched, without lowering the right shoulder,
swing round the firelock to the left thigh, against the whole length of
which the butt must bear strongly, turning, at the same time, the ramrod
towards the body, openly and letting the piece slop through the left hand,
as far as the middle pipe, the lock resting on the thumb of the right
hand; face, at the same time, to the front, turning on the left heel,
carrying the right foot forward, the heel resting against the buckle of
the left. Second
motion. 66.
Quit the firelock with the right hand, sinking it with the left along and
near the body, raising, at the same time, the right hand within two inches
of the barrel, to the top of it; let the butt fall to the ground without
striking against it with any degree of shock; and let the left hand,
holding the firelock as described, rest against the body, under the level
of the lowest waistcoat-button, the musket in contact with the left thigh,
the sight on the barrel, opposite to the middle line of the body. |
|
Cartouche-dans le canon (Cartridge-into the
Barrel) |
67.
Glance to the upper end of the barrel; turn smartly the out or upper side
of the right hand towards the body, in order to discharge the powder into
the barrel-mouth, for this purpose, raising the elbow as high as the
wrist, shake the cartridge in turning it into the barrel, and leave the
hand reversed, the fingers closed, without pressure. |
|
Tirez-la baguette (Draw-ramrod) |
First
motion 68.
Lower, smartly, the right elbow, and seize the ramrod betwwen the thumb
and forefinger bent, keeping the other fingers shut; draw the ramrod
smartly by extending the arm, with the whole of the fingers opened out;
seize it back-handed, at the middle, with the fore finger and thumb, the
palm of the hand outwards; turn it quickly between the bayonet and the
body, at the same time closing the fingers upon it, the ramrods of the men
in the centre and rear ranks, in turning, grazing the right shoulder of
the man in the rank before them in the same file; the ramrod forming no
angle with the line of the barrel, and parallel to the bayonet; the arm
extended; the eyes looking upwards; and the thick end of the ramrod must
thus be kept opposite to the mouth of the barrel, without being entered
into it. Second
motion. 69.
Enter the thick end of the ramrod into the barrel, and insert it as far as
the hand. |
|
Bourrez (Ram down-Cartridge) |
70.
Run up the right hand to the full extent of the arm, to the top of the
ramrod, without letting it fall into the barrel; seize it with the thumb
opened along it, and the fore finger bent; the other fingers being shut;
drive it forcibly into the barrel, ramming home twice; seize it again by
the small end, between the thumb and fore finger, both bent, the others
being shut; and let the right elbow be close to the body. |
|
Remettez-la baguette |
First motion 71. As in the first motion of drawing ramrod,
bring the small end of it
opposite to the upper, or trumpet-pipe, and hold it there without entering
it. Second
motion 72.
Introduce the small end into the pipe, and slide it into its place; raise
the right hand quickly, and place it, somewhat bent, one the upper end of
the ramrod. |
|
Portez vos armes (Shoulder-Arms) |
First
motion 73.
Raise the firelock with the left hand, along the left side, the left hand
as high as the shoulder, and the left elbow not parted from the body,
keeping the barrel outwards; and sink down the right hand in order to
seize the firelock at the small stock. Second
motion 74.
Raise the firelock with the right hand; let the left hand fall to seize
and support the butt, carrying buack, at the same time, the right heel to
the side of the left, and in the same alignment; support the firelock
against, and at the left shoulder, with the right hand, in the position
pointed out in describing shouldered arms; and let the right hand touch
the small stock at the breech, without pressing against it. Third
motion 75.
Let the right hand fall to the right thigh, hanging there, as already
indicated. |
|
Appretez-vos armes |
[
At this point the drill is different for each of the three ranks of
soldiers. Reproduced
here is only the standing position
of the second rank. The first
rank is a kneeling position and the third rank is a side step position to
get as close to second rank as possible before firing.] First
motion Second motion 79. Bring the firelock with the right hand before
the middle of the body; place
the left hand with the little finger touching the feather spring, and the
thumb, as high as the chin, pointing upwards along the wood of the stock,
the brass plate opposite to the lock being turned almost towards the body,
and the ramrod towards the front of the battalion; and apply, at the same
time, the thumb of the right hand to the head of the cock, the forefinger
under, and against the guard, and the three other fingers joined to the
first. Third motion 80. Sink down, smartly, the right elbow, cocking,
at the same time, and seize the firelock at the small stock. |
|
Joue |
81.
Sink down, smartly, the muzzle of the piece, flipping the left hand along
the stock, as far as the tailing pipe; apply the butt to the right
shoulder; let the muzzle be below the level of the eye a little, and the
right elbow kept lowered, without being pressed against the body; shut the
left eye; look along the barrel with the right eye; sink forward the head
towards the butt in order to level; and place the fore finger on the
trigger. |
|
Feu |
83.
Apply, with force, the first finger on the trigger, without lowering or
turning the head more, and remain in that position. |
French Infantry on the March
Premiere Partie
Ratio of instructors to Recruits.
The
ratio of instructors to recruits should be between 1:1 and 1:3. The recruits
should be placed in one rank (line) without arms, at a distance of one pace from
each other.
Premiere Lecon
Position
of the soldier at attention without arms; heels on the same line, close together
but comfortable; toes angled out, approximately 30° from centre; knees straight
but not locked; body perpendicular to the hips, leaning slightly forward;
shoulders back; arms hanging naturally; elbows touching the body; little finger
of each hand running parallel to the trouser seam; head up without strain; eyes
fixed on the ground 15 paces (30') to the fore.
There
are two parts to most orders. The first part is the instruction to be performed;
the second is the command to execute the instruction. At the instructive order
the soldat prepares himself, and at the executive order the instruction is
carried out. Most often the executive order will be called out louder than the
instructive order. For purposes of clarity, whenever possible, the first part of
the order will appear in green type. The executive part of the order will appear
in red type. The pronunciation guide for the French will be placed in brackets.
Orders pertaining to standing in formation without
arms.
Come
to attention. Assume the position described above.
Pelaton
(citoyen, ) Garde a vous. [pel-ah-tah n -
gahd - a - voo] Platoon attention.
Eyes
right (or left). Turn the head so that the corner of the left eye nearest the
nose aligns with the buttons of the gilet.
Tete a droite
(or a gauche). [tet - ah - dwaht] Head to the right (left).
To
return to the face forward position, garde a vous, there is only the executive
command.
Fixe.
[feex] Eyes front.
At
ease is simply an instruction and there is no executive order.
Repos.
[ray-poh] Rest.
Deuxieme Lecon
A droite, a gauche, et demi-tour a droite.
To
the right, left and about face. At the executive command the recruit will turn
on his left heel (right heel for a gauche), raising slightly the left toe while
at the same time carrying back the right heel to come into line with the left.
Pelaton par le flanc droite, a droite. [pel-a-tahn
- par - luh - flahn - dwaht - ah - dwaht ]
Platoon right face.
Turning
about face is always done to the right in the French Army. At the instructive
order 'demi-tour' the recruit should slip the right foot to the rear of the left
with heels aligned and toes perpendicular. At the same time reach back with the
right hand and secure the giberne against the body so that it does not swing out
when turning.
Pelaton demi-tour,
a droite. [pel-a-tahn
- day-mee - tou r - ah - dwaht] Platoon about face.
Troisieme Lecon
Principes du pas ordinaire direct.
Principles
of the ordinary step, at 76 paces to the minute, at two feet distance between
each step, measured from heel to heel. Carry the foot along near to the ground,
bending the knee only slightly. The foot should be planted flat without
stomping. The head held erect and directed to the front. The instructor will
occasionally call out the step un foot up, deux foot down, or cadence will be
called out, a gauche... a droite... a gauche...
Principes du marche sans armes.
To
begin marching from a standing position
En avant,
marche. [on - ah-vahn - marsh] To the fore,
march
To
stop marching. When the halt is ordered the recruits should come to attention.
Pelaton,
halte. [pel-a-tahn
- halt] Platoon, halt.
Quatrieme Lecon
Principes du pas oblique.
The
march step is pas ordinaire 76 paces a minute. From the standing position; at
the word un the recruit will bring his right foot forward 24" but obliquely
away from the left foot at a 45° angle; at the word deux the left foot is
brought 17" directly forward of the right foot. During this manoeuver the
shoulders must remain straight and perpendicular to the original line of march.
Oblique a droite,
(a gauche) marche, un,
deux, un... [oh-bleek - ah - dwaht - marsh, uh, duh, uh...]
To the right (left) oblique march, one, two, one
To
resume forward motion the command is the same as from the standing position, yet
done on the march.
En avant,
marche. [on - ah-vahn - marsh] To the fore,
march.
Premiere Partie [continued]
Charge en Douze Temps
The exercise shall be taught in the following order. The instructor shall give the words of command:
1. Chargez vos armes. [shar-zhay - vo - zarm] Load your weapon.
ONE COMMAND, TWO MOTIONS.
FIRST MOTION. From the position of portez vos armes; half face to the right, on the left heel; place the right foot directly behind the left so that the buckle of the right shoe touches the left heel; at the same time rotate the fusil (which is already resting in your left hand) so that the fire lock faces away from you; bring the right hand up and grasp the fusil at the small stock. The weight of the fusil is now held by the right hand.
Deux. SECOND MOTION. With the butt of the fusil still in contact with the left hand, slant the fusil down; as the fusil pivots, bring your left hand up and grasp the fusil from underneath at the first band. The weight of the fusil is now supported by the left hand, the butt under the fore part of the right arm, the small-stock resting against the body, two inches nearly under the right nipple or breast; the top of the barrel as high as the eye; the guard turned a little outward; the left elbow supported on the side at the hip; the thumb of the right hand against the top of the frizzen, above the level of the flint; Simultaneously the butt end should swing around so that it points to the right hip; the four fingers of the right hand shut; and the right arm, from the elbow to the wrist lying along the butt. This sounds a bit awkward but, the weight of the fusil and the position of your hands should cause the butt to swing naturally as it tries to balance on the pivot point (your left hand which holds it from below at the first band).
2. Ouvrez le bassinet. [oo-vray - luh - bass-see-nay] Open the pan.
ONE COMMAND ONE MOTION.
Throw open the pan with the thumb of the right hand, the left hand holding the piece firmly; apply the right hand to the giberne, by retiring the right elbow, and passing the hand between the butt and the body; and open the giberne. [You lead by pulling your right elbow straight back, as tight to the body as possible, so you do not disturb the fusilier next to you. Once your hand is past the butt of the fusil you can swing it down and back to the cartridge box.]
3. Prenez la cartouche [pren-ay - lah - car-toosh] Take the cartridge.
ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION.
Take the cartridge between the two forefingers and thumb, and carry it to the mouth, ready for the teeth to act, and the right hand passing between the body and the butt. [You have to reach inside the giberne to grab the cartouche. Again, you must keep that elbow in close to the body as you bring the cartridge up to your mouth.]
4. Dechirez la cartouche. [day-shee-ray - lah - car-toosh] Bite the cartridge.
ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION.
Bite off the top, exposing the powder, holding the cartridge firm where the powder has been uncovered, between the thumb and the two forefingers; lower the cartridge, holding it perpendicularly against the pan, the palm of the right hand turned towards the body, and the right elbow supported or leaning on, and against the butt. [Hold the cartouche firmly so you tear only the tip of the paper with your teeth. Without looking down lower the cartridge to the pan. Keep your right elbow in contact with the butt as this will help you guide your hand straight down toward the pan. Be careful not to tip the cartridge.]
5. Amorcez. [am-or-say] Prime.
ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION.
Tilt the head down, and look down to the pan fill it with powder; press close the top of the cartridge at the opening, between the thumb and fore-finger; raise the hand, placing the right hand behind the pan and hold the little finger, and the third finger firm against the back of the pan. Look down to the pan, fill it with powder. Pinch the top of the cartridge enough so that it does not spill easily but lightly enough so that if you were to tip it over and then manipulate it a bit it would pour easily into the barrel.]
6. Fermez le bassinet. [fair-may - luh - bass-see-nay] Shut, the pan.
ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION.
Hold the fusil firm with the left hand; shut the pan close and firmly with the two left fingers, holding always the cartridge between the thumb and the two fore-fingers; seize immediately the small stock with the first two fingers, and the palm of the right hand; keep the right wrist close to the body, and the elbow pointing to the rear, and a little detached from the body.
7. L'arme a gauche. [larm - ah - ghosh] Weapon to the left.
ONE COMMAND AND TWO MOTIONS
FIRST MOTION. With the right arm smartly stretched, without lowering the right shoulder, swing round the fusil to the left thigh, against the whole length of which the butt must bear strongly, turning, at the same time, the ram-rod towards the body, opening and letting the piece slip through the left hand, as far as the middle band, the ring-lock resting on the thumb of the right hand; face, at the same time turning to the front on the left heel, carrying the right foot forward, the heel resting against the buckle of the left.
Deux. SECOND MOTION. Quit the fusil with the right hand, sinking it with the left along and near the body, and the butt fall to the ground without striking it with any degree of shock; at the same time raise the right hand two inches above the barrel: the left hand, holding the fusil, below the level of the waistcoat button, the fusil in contact with left thigh, the sight on the barrel, in front of the middle line of the body.
8. Cartouche dans le canon. [car-toosh - don - luh - can-on] Cartridge in the barrel.
ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION.
Glance to the upper end of the barrel; smartly tip the right hand towards the body, in order to discharge the powder in the barrel-mouth, for this purpose, raising the elbow as high as the wrist, shake the cartridge, while turning it, into the barrel, leave the hand thumb down, relax the fingers when the cartridge is empty. [Drop the cartridge on the ground in re-enactment battles.]
9. Tirez la baguette. [teer-ay - lah - bah -get] Draw ramrod.
ONE COMMAND AND TWO MOTIONS.
FIRST MOTION. Lower smartly the right elbow, and seize ramrod between the thumb and fore-finger keeping the other fingers shut; draw the ramrod smartly by extending the arm, with the whole of the fingers opened out seize it back-handed, at the middle, with the fore-finger and thumb, the palm of the hand outward; turn it quickly between the bayonet and the body, at the time closing the fingers upon it, the ramrods of the men in the center and rear ranks, in turning, will graze the right shoulder of the rank before them in the same file; the ramrod forming no angle with the line of the barrel, and parallel to the bayonet; the arm extended; the eyes looking upwards; and the thick end of the ramrod must thus be opposite to the mouth of the barrel, without being entered into it
Deux. SECOND MOTION. Enter the thick end of the ramrod into the barrel, and insert as far as the hand.
10. Bourrez. [boo-ray] Ram.
ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION
Run up the right hand to the full extent of the arm, to the top of the ramrod, without letting it fall into the barrel, seize it with the thumb opened along it and the fore-finger bent, the other fingers being shut, drive it force-fully into the barrel, ramming home twice, seize it again by the small end, between the thumb and fore-finger, both bent, the others being shut. and let the right elbow be close to the body.
11. Remettez la baguette. . [ray-met-ay - lah - bah -get] Replace ramrod.
ONE COMMAND AND TWO MOTIONS.
FIRST MOTION. As in the first motion of drawing ramrod, bring the small end of it opposite to the upper band groove (or ramrod-pipe), and hold it there without entering it
Deux. SECOND MOTION. Introduce the small end into me upper band groove (ramrod pipe) and slide it into its place; raise the right hand quickly, and place it somewhat on the upper end of the ramrod.
12.Portez vos armes. [por-tay - vo - zarm] Shoulder arms.
ONE COMMAND AND THREE MOTIONS.
FIRST MOTION. Raise the fusil with the left hand, along the left side, the left hand as high as the shoulder, and the left elbow not parted from the body, keeping the barrel outward; and sink down the right hand in order to seize the fusil at the small stock.
Deux. SECOND MOTION. Raise the fusil with the right hand; let the left hand fall to seize and support the butt, carrying back, at the same Time, the right heel to the side of the left and in the same alignment, support the fusil against, and at he left shoulder, with the right hand, in the position pointed out in describing shouldered arms; and let the right hand touch the small stock at me breech, without pressing against it.
Trois. THIRD MOTION. Let the right hand fall to the right thigh, hanging there, as already indicated.
The loading in twelve moves is now complete.
The instructor will now direct the recruits to prepare to fire the fusil.
Seconde Partie
Port d'armes.
The
instructor of the drill shall not pass the recruits on to the second part until
they are perfectly confirmed in the position of the body and in the direct and
oblique steps. The instructor shall then place three men in one rank, elbow to
elbow, and instruct them in how to hold their arms.
Premiere Lecon
Principes du port
d'armes.
From
the position of attention; the fusil being placed, butt on the ground, against
the right foot; the right arm is as when at garde a vous attention only slightly
out with the right hand laid against the fusil pressing it against the right
leg. This is the position of ordered arms. At the command portez
vos armes; raise and turn up the left hand without bending the wrist
moving only the forearm; then move the right hand slightly, grasping the fusil
by the stock; raise the fusil up and to the left shoulder, keeping the weapon
always perpendicular to the ground, so that the butt rests in the first
articulation of the fingers of the left hand; the heel of the butt should rest
between the first and second fingers, the thumb above, the third and fourth
finger under the butt.
The
fusil, seen from the front, should always rest perpendicular, and movement of
the thigh when marching should not disturb it. The ramrod side of the fusil
should be placed against the front of the shoulder. The right hand should now
return to its original position.
Deuxieme Lecon
Maniement des armes.
The
platoon exercise shall be taught three men in a rank, with their elbows
touching, and to the same afterwards in file. [That is three men in a line
abreast and then the same three men in a row.]
The
execution of each command shall be in consequence of one time, denoting the word
of command divided into distinct motions, in order to impress the component
parts more strongly on the minds of the recruits. [See note at the end of the
next paragraph.]
On
hearing the last syllable of the word of command, the recruit shall execute the
intended motion lively and smartly. On hearing the respective words deux
(two), and trois (three), the remaining
motions shall be gone through. When the recruit knows thoroughly the position
relating to each motion included in a word of command, they shall be instructed
how to execute them without dwelling on each separately; but they must observe
the mechanism of the motions; and avoid the inconvenience resulting from what is
termed an unseen shifting of the fusil, as if by slight of hand, from the proper
into an inaccurate position. [Note: Each command which requires several actions
to be performed will be taught in steps. The first step begins on the command,
the second when the instructor gives the command deux
the third at trois, etc. Once the recruit has
learned the manoeuver, only the command will be given.]
Seconde Partie [continued]
The instructor will now direct the recruits to prepare to fire the fusil.
Appretez vos armes. [ap-pret - tay - vo - zarm] Ready.
If the unit is in a three deep formation, the front rank kneels. If in a two deep formation both ranks will follow the procedure for the men given in the description 'Position of the Second Rank' which appears below
Position of the front rank.
FIRST MOTION. Turn the fusil with the left hand, firelock outward; seize it with the right hand at the small stock, as in the first motion of loading, and remain facing to the front, turning the point of the left foot a little outward.
SECOND MOTION. Throw the right foot smartly to the rear, the heel raised, and the foot resting on the toes of the foot necessarily bent; kneel down with the right knee ten or twelve inches behind, and about six inches to the right of the left heel, do not come down suddenly; at the same time bring down the fusil with the right hand and seize it with the left hand at the first band; place the butt on the ground without striking it; place it in front of the right thigh with the bottom of the heel of the butt opposite the left heel; at the same time seize the cock between the thumb and the fore-finger.
Position of the Second Rank.
FIRST MOTION. As in the first motion of loading.
SECOND MOTION. Bring the fusil with the right hand before the middle of the body; place the left hand with the little finger touching the feather-spring, and the thumb, as high as the chin, pointing upwards along the wood of the stock, the pan being turned almost towards the body, and the ramrod towards the front of the battalion; and apply, at the same time, the thumb of the right hand to the head of the cock.
THIRD MOTION. Sink down, smartly, the right elbow, cocking, at the same time, and seize the fusil at the small stock.
Position of the Rear Rank.
First, Second and Third Motions done in the same manner as by the men of the centre rank.
The instructor will now direct the recruits to aim the fusil.
Joue. [zhou] Present (aim).
ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION.
Sink down, smartly, the muzzle of the piece, slipping the left hand back along the stock, as far as the first band (small swell near the tail-pipe); apply the butt to the right shoulder; let the muzzle be below the level of the eyes a little, and the right elbow kept lowered, without being pressed against the body; shut the left eye; look along the barrel with the right eye; sink forward the head towards the butt in order to level; and place the forefinger on the trigger. The men of the third rank will, at the same time step with the right foot eight inches to the right, towards the left heel of the man who is on their right.
Feu. [fou] Fire.
ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION.
Apply, with force, the first finger on the trigger, without lowering or turning the head more, and remain in that position.
Redressez vos armes. [rah-dres-say - vo - zarm] Recover your weapon.
ONE COMMAND AND ONE MOTION.
Come to the position of recovered arms firmly, as described under the second motion of appretez vos armes, remaining in the third position, after cocking, in the third position. After recovering the weapon, if the instructor intends to fire another round, the command will be:
Chargez. [shar-zhay] Load
The kneeling rank then stands and all ranks bring the gun to the position for opening the pan. As firing will continue, the next order, to half cock the fusil so that the pan can be primed and shut, will be given:
Le chien au repos. [leh - shee-a n - oh - ray-poh] Firelock half-cock.
If the firing is to cease, the instructor will order the recruits to shoulder arms. In this case the kneeling rank will rise and all ranks will half cock the fusil, shut the pan and shoulder arms as described previously. Thus the orders that follow redressez vos armes will be:
Presentez vos armes. [pray-zen-tay - vo - zarm] Present arms.
Portez vos armes [por-tay - vo - zarm] Shoulder arms.
Position du Soldat Repose sur l'Arme.
The ordered arms position, from portez vos armes (shouldered arms) requires that the recruit straighten the left arm, which is holding the fusil, while reaching across the chest and grasping the fusil at the first band above the firelock. Then bring the fusil to a point even with the right shoulder, ramrod side facing away from the body, then lower your right arm keeping the fusil perpendicular to the ground. When the right arm is straight down, let the fusil slip the remaining few inches to the ground. Do not bang the butt on the ground.
The recruit now assumes an attitude the same as that of garde a vous (attention) except for the right hand which holds the fusil against the right leg. The fusil with the butt on the ground against the right foot, ramrod pointing out; right arm nearly vertical; right hand along the stock, thumb and index finger slightly in front of the stock; the barrel of the fusil about two inches from the right shoulder. The order for this is:
Repozez vous sur vos armes. [reh-po-zay - su r - vo - zarm] Return to order arms.
The instructor may now allow the recruits to relax. The recruit may now lean on the fusil grasping it with the right hand at he top of the stock or on the upper portion of the barrel. The order for this is:
Repos. [reh-po] Rest. At ease.
Seconde Partie [continued]
Troisieme Lecon
Charge precipitee et Charge volonte.
The
charge precipitee divides the charge en douze
temps into four abbreviated divisions with the steps implied.
Charge precipitee.
Charge precipitee.
[sharj - pray-si-pee-tay] Load in quick time.
Chargez vos armes. . [shar-zhay - vo - zarm] Take the cartridge, bite and prime (Steps 2-6).
Deux.
[duh] Place fusil into loading position and empty the cartridge into barrel
(7-8).
Trois.
[twah] Draw ramrods, ram (9-10).
Quatre.
[cat] . Return ramrod and shoulder arms
(11-12).
Fire
will then be directed as necessary.
Charge a volonte.
Charge a volonte.
[shar-zhay- ah - voh-lon-tay] Load in quickest time.
Chargez vos armes. [shar-zhay - vo - zarm] Load, prime, ram, steps 1-11, then present, aim
and fire at will.
Quatrieme Leçon
Feux.
Firing
is either direct, or oblique, direct being straight forward, oblique being
toward a left or right target.
Feux Directs
Feu de pelaton.
[fou - deh - pel-a-tah n ] Platoon fire.
Pelaton.
[pel-a-tahn] Platoon.
Armez.
[arm] Cock the hammer.
Joue.
[zhou] Present.
Feu.
[fou] Fire